TRAFFORD Council leader Sean Anstee has called on everyone in the borough to pull together after the horrific bomb attack in Manchester.

Twenty-two people were killed and 59 injured when a suicide bomber attacked concert goers at Manchester Arena..

A man set off a bomb in the foyer shortly after 10.30pm on Monday, at the end of a concert by Ariana Grande.

Cllr Sean Anstee, said of the attack: “On behalf of the borough of Trafford, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to those affected by the abhorrent happenings in our city centre last night.

"It has taken the lives of innocent, harmless people including children and young people whose hopes and dreams have been so brutally taken away. 

"Around the world, across the country and within this city our love, thoughts and tears are with all those affected and in particular those who have lost loved ones and those injured.

"Through their response our emergency services held true to a shared view that they are the best in the world; professional to the core with a deep desire to help those who so desperately in need and I ask that individuals listen to the advice and guidance being issued by these agencies.

"We are working our partners to respond to this tragic situation and providing support to our staff and community.  We are also offering additional support where required to the health agencies and hospitals which are under increased pressure and to our young people in Trafford schools who will either directly or indirectly be affected.

"We have a strong and tolerant community in Trafford and I ask that we pull together to support each other through this difficult time and not react irrationally to speculation.

"Finally, just to remind you that it is imperative to remain vigilant during this time and report any suspicious behaviour directly to the police. 

"Businesses are also asked to consider reinforcing their own security mechanisms, however we must also stand strong and not let this affect our everyday business.

"The emergency numbers for anyone who is concerned for loved ones who are missing at this time are 0161 856 9400 and 0161 856 9900."

There are books of condolence in the reception areas at Sale Waterside and Trafford Town Hall.

There are flowers outside the former Stretford Town Hall and a banner saying 'We Love Manchester'.
Michael Jackson, of Altrincham Inter Faith Group, said: "The horror of the bomb moves all of us in our various faiths to come together in the most profound and heartfelt compassion and to do everything possible to support the bereaved and injured. Hatred can only be overcome by love."

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “This has been the most horrific incident we have had to face in Greater Manchester and one that we all hoped we would never see.

“Families and many young people were out to enjoy a concert at the Manchester Arena and have lost their lives.  

"Our thoughts are with those 22 victims that we now know have died, the 59 people who have been injured and their loved ones.  We continue to do all we can to support them."

The Bishop of Shrewsbury, the Rt Rev Mark Davies, said: "Let us continue to pray for those who have died and their families and all who are suffering as a result of these terrible events.

"Let us also keep in our prayer the police and emergency services together with all hospital staff and chaplains.

"Together with church and religious leaders in Greater Manchester, I ask the prayers of your parishioners for peace and solidarity in all our communities that the hate which inspires such indiscriminate violence may be overcome by that love which faith and prayer inspires in our hearts.

" I hope the days ahead, over-shadowed by this atrocity, will lead us all to such prayer and active charity."

Police are appealing to anyone who was in Manchester city centre between 8pm and 11pm and has dash-cam footage to send it to https://ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk/

Human Appeal, a Muslim-faith based humanitarian aid charity based in Greater Manchester, haS started a page called “Muslims for Manchester” in the hope of raising funds for the victims of Monday night’s attacks.

The page can be found at https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/muslimsformanchester. All funds will go supporting the victims and their families of this attack.

The chief executive of Human Appeal, Othman Moqbel, said: “As a Muslim, as a Mancunian and as a father, I want the victims and their families of Monday night’s attack to know that my prayers, the prayers of everyone at Human Appeal and the prayers of Manchester’s Muslim community is with them.

"Although the details are currently unclear, this appears to be a despicable and abhorrent attack targeting innocent members of our community.

“Manchester's Muslim community stands united with everyone in the city. All funds raised will go directly to supporting the victims and their families. We hope many Muslims and non-Muslims will donate.

"Once again my prayers and love go to the victims, their families and this great city.”